TAGS: Sealants
Fact.MR anticipates that the global fumed silica market is projected to increase from US$ 1.45 billion in 2024 to US$ 2.36 billion by the end of 2034, which equals to market expansion at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2034.
Growing Demand for Fumed Silica
Fumed silica, also known as pyrogenic silica, is produced through a high-temperature flame process involving the hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride. This unique material is composed of amorphous silica in the form of microscopic droplets. It has found widespread adoption across various industries with the paint & coating industry extracting its maximum potential. Fumed silica is used in coatings to protect painted items from rust and corrosion.
Use of fumed silica extends beyond just paint jobs. Properties of fumed silica make it highly suitable for a range of applications across diverse industries. It is commonly used in adhesives, cosmetics, toners, inks, sealants, defoamers, food additives, and more. This wide range of applications explains the growing demand for fumed silica and the demand growth potential of related products. The construction and automotive sectors have embraced these products to enhance efficiency for end users.
Extensive Adoption of Fumed Silica in Adhesives and Sealants
Current market trends are being shaped by increased urbanization and industrialization. Demand for fumed silica is rising in the personal care products sector, especially in the East Asia region. In addition, India's pharmaceutical industry is a significant user of fumed silica.
Extensive adoption of fumed silica in the adhesives and sealants industry is benefitting producers and suppliers to a great extent. Fumed silica is utilized to enhance product viscosity, improve anti-settling characteristics during storage, regulate extrusion properties during application, and provide anti-sag characteristics during curing. However, the development of biogenic fumed silica and precipitated silica as alternatives could potentially impede market growth. Nonetheless, the emerging applications of fumed silica across various industries are expected to present new opportunities.
Challenges Hindering Fumed Silica Market Growth
The market faces several key challenges such as the high production costs associated with the energy-intensive manufacturing process, which involves the vapor-phase pyrolysis of silicon tetrachloride. This cost factor can make fumed silica less competitive compared to other fillers or additives in price-sensitive applications. The growth of the market is restricted by the stringent regulatory requirements and environmental concerns surrounding the handling and disposal of fumed silica as it is classified as a hazardous substance due to its potential health risks.
Limited availability and fluctuating prices of raw materials such as silicon tetrachloride and energy sources can significantly impact production costs and profitability margins by creating uncertainty for manufacturers. The emergence of alternative nanomaterials and the development of substitutes with comparable properties may pose a threat to market growth as industries explore more cost-effective or environmentally friendly options. The market faces challenges in terms of logistics and supply chain management as fumed silica is a highly specialized product that requires careful handling and transportation to maintain its quality and performance characteristics.
Highest Growth in the United States
The United States has an extensive industrial sector encompassing the construction, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries, which extensively use fumed silica. For instance, fumed silica is used in many demanding adhesive applications from building, construction, and automotive applications to packaging. The personal care segment in the United States accounts for the widespread utilization of fumed silica in products such as toothpaste, creams, and others. The United States market is witnessing a rise in fumed silica prices due to rising production costs amidst stable offtakes from the downstream rubber industry.
China’s extensive manufacturing base and industrial growth have contributed to the expansion of the fumed silica market size. As a global manufacturing powerhouse, China generates significant demand for fumed silica across various sectors. Rapid expansion of the automotive industry, along with the increasing production of tires and rubber goods, has significantly contributed to the high consumption of fumed silica as a reinforcing filler. China's growing construction industry has led to the demand for fumed silica in applications such as sealants, adhesives, and coatings by capitalizing on its exceptional rheological properties and thickening abilities.
Growing consumer goods and electronics industries in China have embraced fumed silica for its unique properties in enhancing the performance and quality of products such as cosmetics, paints, and batteries. China's focus on infrastructure development and the construction of large-scale projects have necessitated the use of fumed silica in cement and concrete admixtures, leveraging its ability to improve workability and durability.
Hydrophobic Fumed Silica Occupies Leading Market Share
Hydrophobic fumed silica is forecasted to occupy a leading fumed silica market share of 74.7% by 2034-end.
Hydrophobic fumed silica occupies a leading market share due to its unique properties and wide range of applications. Hydrophobic fumed silica is created through a post-production process called surface treatment where silica particles are coated with substances such as dimethylsilyl groups by making the silica water-repellent. This hydrophobic nature lends itself to several important applications. In the creation of sealants and adhesives, it prevents moisture absorption by enhancing durability and performance.
In cosmetics, hydrophobic fumed silica helps control oiliness and extend product shelf life by reducing water content. In the paints and coatings sector, hydrophobic fumed silica improves water resistance and stability of formulations contributing to longer-lasting finishes. Its high surface area allows it to form a network of particles in liquids, increasing viscosity without significantly altering other properties. This is particularly valuable in paints, inks, and cosmetic products where controlled flow and spreadability are desired.
Fumed silica plays a crucial role in the adhesives and sealants sector due to its unique properties such as thickening, thixotropy, reinforcement, and free-flow characteristics. These properties enhance the performance of adhesives and sealants by making them more durable, flexible, and resistant to environmental conditions. The increasing demand for high-quality adhesives and sealants in various industries such as construction, automotive, and electronics has led to the rising use of fumed silica in these applications.
Competitive Landscape
Key players in the fumed silica market are capitalizing on their robust manufacturing abilities, global distribution channels, and inventive product development. These firms are immersed in fierce competition by centering their strategies on superior product quality, cost efficiency, and exceptional customer service.
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In 2024, PyroGenesis announced the accelerated progression of a fumed silica reactor project, following the receipt of all essential equipment. This development marks a significant achievement in the project by indicating forward movement towards the completion of the fumed silica reactor. The company’s dedication to prompt progress is demonstrated by the on-schedule delivery and execution of the fumed silica reactor project, as shown by the arrival of all crucial equipment.
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In 2023, Nouryon launched a high-efficiency variant of Kromasil spherical silica, designed specifically for innovative peptide-based pharmaceuticals.
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In 2022, an announcement was made regarding the augmentation of Hydrophobic Silica production at Tokuyama Chemicals (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd.
Source: Fact.MR